“The Power of Grassroots” is the focus of the Jan. 23-24, 2014 Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Conference.   Wyoming young farmers and ranchers are invited to attend the YF&R Conference at the Holiday Inn in Cody.  The conference is open to all young agricultural producers between the ages of 18-35 (no membership necessary) and all Farm Bureau members.  Children are welcome.

“The Power of Grassroots” conference will provide many different topics of interest to Wyoming’s young agricultural producers.   

Hosted by the WyFB YF&R Committee, the conference kicks-off at 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014.  Participants will explore “The Power of Grassroots”during an interactive workshop presented by Marty Tatman, American Farm Bureau Federation.  Participants will be put in the shoes of law makers and understand how policies are implemented and how laws are created.  Through the workshop participants will understand the value of a grassroots organization and how one is structured. Participants will walk away with a greater appreciation for policies and issues that are brought up through a grassroots effort and realize that process is what makes Farm Bureau unique. 

United States Senator John Barrasso will speak at 10:45 a.m.

“Weather Forecasting” will be presented by Don Day, Day Weather, at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday. 

At the noon luncheon, Wyoming Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Ken Hamilton will provide a look at “Legislative and Agriculture Issues Facing Wyoming Producers.”

Thursday afternoon will feature Business/Leadership Consultant Rick LaPlante with his presentation “Transitioning from a family operation to an agricultural business that blesses the family.”  This session will focus on a study of a transition of a ranching operation from a family business led by the patriarch to an agricultural business run by a CEO under the direction of a Board of Advisors (of course all are family members!).  This speaker is sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America.

At 4:15 p.m., Park County Rancher Scott George will present “History of the Heart Mountain Irrigation Project.”  This presentation uses photos to show how this irrigation project transformed the land between Cody and Powell.  The presentation covers some of the Buffalo Bill Cody Dam that supplies the water. 

Producers can network and learn more about Farm Bureau’s YF&R Discussion Meet competition at Thursday evening’s dinner.

Friday morning’s activities begin at 8:15 a.m. with an “An Excel program to help young producers plan for their operation” presented by Cole Coxbill, Goshen County farmer and WyFB YF&R Committee Member.

From 9 a.m.-12 p.m.., participants will tour area operations.  The tour stops Friday morning include:  Wyoming Authentic Products, Inc.; Reed Farms; and Cow Country Genetics. 

During the Friday lunch, United States Senator Mike Enzi will be the featured speaker.

After lunch, a “Risk Management” session will be presented by Custom Ag Solutions. 

Registration

The registration fee is $70/adult.  The agenda and registration are available at www.wyfb.org or you may call 307.532.2002.  The registration deadline is Jan. 10.  Late registrations will be accepted based on availability after Jan. 10 at $90/adult.  Children are welcome. 

For room reservations, please call the Holiday Inn at 307.587.5555 and mention the “ZCU, Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers” group rate.  Room rates are $89 plus tax and are guaranteed through Jan. 8, 2014.

Visit wyfb.org or Facebook/Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers for an agenda.  Or you may call 307.532.2002 or kclark@wyfb.org with questions. 

The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general agriculture organization.  The primary goals of the organization are to protect private property rights and help members achieve an equitable return on their investment.  On the web, www.wyfb.org.


CONFERENCE AGENDA AND REGISTRATION